Jacksonville, Florida (September 17, 2015) — Southeast Medal Finals producer James Lala promised, “There are notable changes at the 2015 Southeast Medal Finals from last year that we hope you will be as excited about as we are.” As the Southeast Medal Finals hunter, jumper, and equitation competition officially gets underway at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center, both Lala and the new management at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center are showing how exciting these new changes are. The horse show, which is Florida’s most prestigious equitation championship, began today (Thursday, September 17) and will continue through Sunday, September 20— with televised coverage, live event screening, and a record number entries across new divisions and Finals.

The fourth annual Southeast Medal Finals (SEMF) presents championship show jumping action, highlighted by the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) Zone 4 and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Maclay Region 3 Finals. A record 300+ horses and riders arrived on Wednesday, and competition begins daily between 7:30 and 8:00am Thursday-Sunday. 

“Perhaps the most significant difference this year,” says Lala, “is that each division runs separately and has its own Final. What this means is that this year’s Southeast Medal Finals has opened its championship title opportunities not just to Equitation riders, but to Hunter and Jumper division riders, too.” Adult and Junior Cross Rail Divisions have been added, plus a U.S. Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) National Hunter Derby on what Lala describes as the Jacksonville Equestrian Center’s “amazing turf hunter arena.”

Friends and family in Florida and beyond can follow the action through televised coverage by Jacksonville’s News 4 Jax (WJXT/CNN), as well as live, free streaming on www.SoutheastMedalFinals.com, thanks to a generous sponsorship by Holly Hill Horse Transport.

“I have heard more than once that barns come to SEMF and love it so much that they return year after year and make SEMF ‘their Finals,’ while many trainers and riders find it the perfect prep before heading north to compete in the fall indoor shows,” says Lala. “Competition is stiff, with many top riders and horses competing.”

This weekend’s Southeast Medal Finals are the top ticket in Jacksonville. Lala adds, “The southern hospitality and stiff competition are a must!”

Learn more about the show at www.southeastmedalfinals.com. The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is proud to host the Southeast Medal Finals for the second year in a row. The facility has served the equestrian community and the local area for ten years. It features not only new footing, but also a giant indoor arena, outdoor show rings, and more than 400 stalls. Located at 13611 Normandy Blvd., in Jacksonville, Florida, the multi-faceted Jacksonville Equestrian Center hosts a variety of events from equestrian and recreational, to sporting and community events. For more information about upcoming events at the center, visit www.jaxequestriancenter.com or call Penny Gorton at 904-255-4227.